Water Waves. Editorial-LHDA commits to the implementation of its Phase II. A Communicating Organization is a High Performance Organization

Transcription

1 Water Waves A Communicating Organization is a High Performance Organization V O L U M E 5 I S S U E N O 5 M A Y Editorial-LHDA commits to the implementation of its Phase II I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : EDITORIAL PHASE II UPDATE 2 MANAGEMENT CON- VERGE IN MOHALE REGIONAL GLANCE AT THE LHWP LHWP SPARKS INTEREST LHDA AT RBO 8 DM-DOD LAUDS MUELA STAFF LHDA RECOGNIZES BEST PERFORMERS The mandate of the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority can be simplified to be to transfer water to South Africa while using the existing infrastructure to generate electricity for Lesotho and at the same time mitigating social and environmental impacts of the implementation of the above. The LHDA has won recognition the world over for its implementation of Phase I. Armed with lessons learned from Phase I the LHDA now moves into gear to implement Phase II. A series of roadshows one held recently in Maseru on May 29 and two (12th and 26th June) following quickly in South Africa signal the clear intention on the LHDA to make sure that the Project is implemented to achieve the set procurement objectives. In the roadshows contractors and construction suppliers were given information relating to the project schedule, procurement rules and the extent of construction works in this phase while also updated on the Projects progress thus far. Part of the large crowd attending the Maseru Contractors and suppliers Roadshow Attendance was equally impressive in Johannesburg Durban did not disappoint and also attracted a large crowd

2 PAGE 2 ENDING THE MONTH OF MAY ON A HIGH NOTE The intense interest in Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) was confirmed this week when over 600 people attended the first of three roadshows for contractors interested in participating in Phase II on Monday, 29 May. Mrs. Refiloe Tlali, CE of the LHDA, welcomed the guests at the Avani Maseru Hotel and the event was opened by Lesotho s Minister of Water, the Honorable Mr. Kimetso Mathaba. Attended by delegates from Lesotho, South Africa and some international companies, it was an opportunity for the LHDA to showcase the scope and progress of Phase II and to share the rules of engagement pertaining to tendering for the Phase II construction contracts. Phase II Divisional Manager, Mr. Tente Tente, Divisional Manager Development and Operations Division, Mr. Reentseng Molapo and Mr. Mark Matchett, Executive Manager of the Phase II Project Management Unit, delivered the presentations. The opening and closing remarks were delivered by the Chief Delegates of Lesotho and South Africa respectively. Project Authorities led the LHWP during the Maseru Roadshow The large crowd that came to the Roadshow in Maseru Two more roadshows have been arranged for Johannesburg and Durban on 12 and 26 June respectively which are expected to be equally well attended. Participation in Phase II, which builds on the award winning Phase I is eagerly anticipated by local, regional and international companies and is likely to generate a highly competitive bidding process. Another angle of the large crowd that came to the Roadshow in Maseru WATER WAVES

3 P A G E 3 LHDA MANAGEMENT HOLD A TOWN HALL MEETING AT MOHALE The Mohale Field Operations staff met with LHDA management team at the town hall meeting held at Mohale on 08 May The main objective of the meeting was for the management to update staff on LHDA progress and get their concerns. The Chief Executive, Mrs Refiloe Tlali in her remarks apologized for not visiting project sites personnel as she would have liked to and promised that from now onwards, management will be seen at sites citing that town hall meeting is an important information sharing forum whereby staff is kept abreast on LHDA progress. Mrs Tlali further told Mohale staff that every month, management hold monthly meetings whereby each manager reports on progress from their respective branches including what is happening at project sites. She also reported that there have been developments in the working conditions mentioning that workers are now employed on permanent basis, and this shows that LHDA is indeed a caring organization. The other important achievement was payment of performance bonuses which staff got in January this year. The Chief Executive however mentioned that there are still some challenges with social issues especially communal assets compensation whereby the community is expected to use the money for implementation of sustainable developmental projects. The field personnel is working hard to assist these communities mentioning that even though the progress is small, there are some villages that now have electricity. Staff was encouraged to work together with management in order to make sure that LHDA business is implemented effectively. The Divisional Manager Development and Operations also briefed staff that in the 2017/18 Financial Year, main work will be on the maintenance of the Mohale transfer tunnel and that preparations to engage a consultant/ contractor have started. Staff was told on the plans to use computerized maintenance system for operations and maintenance (CMMS). DM DOD added that with the system, staff will work more efficiently and effectively. Staff was also informed that there is planned maintenance of the station bypass at Muela, Ngojane metering station and Katse intake tower inlets. On Phase II update, staff was informed that before construction of the dam could begin, advance infrastructure such as roads, power lines, communication systems, staff housing etc. comes first mentioning that a decision has been made on the road to Polihali dam site. The route approved will be through the following villages: Ha Seshote, Phakoeng, Liseleng, Ha Mating, Ratau, Ha Thene, Koshepeng, Makhoaba, Taung, Khotsang and Ha Mei to Polihali dam site. DM Phase II added that the other road will be from Mapholaneng to Polihali. Power line will also take the same routes. He also said that road shows are planned in May and June 2017 in Lesotho and South Africa to update contractors on the works, procurement etc. Asset registration at Polihali catchment using modern technology has also started. As for hydropower plant, staff was told that there are some challenges with viability of Kobong Pump storage and that the feasibility study for other viable alternative hydropower scheme is on-going and a consultant engaged is due to give LHDA feedback.

4 P A G E 4 Acting DM SDE, Mr Lebohang Moleko told staff that by December this year, zoning plan to allow boating in the LHWP dams should be completed adding that this would increase tourism activities within LHWP. He also indicated that the Social and Environment Division through Environment Branch is tasked with conservation of wetlands and maloti minnow. Mr Moleko told Mohale staff that LHDA team and consultants are busy with the survey of the availability of this fish at the sources of Senqunyane, Bokong and Jorotane rivers which supply Mohale dam. The plan at the end is to erect a barrier to protect this endangered fish species mostly found in Mohale area. Staff was also given an opportunity to ask management questions and raise their concerns. Mohale team mentioned that amongst others they were concerned about the deterioration of the feeder roads surrounding the Mohale dam which makes it difficult for field staff to reach some of the villages; difficulty in getting LHDA documentation; erosion caused by roof of Africa rally race in some areas within Mohale catchment; non-increment of mountain and incentive allowance. The other issues raised were the need for recruitment of IS Technician at Mohale to assist to resolve IT problems, rehabilitation of tennis courts and recreational hall, update on provident fund and LHDA staff uniform. The other questions and issues raised by staff were to be dealt with internally. In addressing the issues raised, the Human Resources Manager told staff that on the issue of provident fund and staff uniform, processes are on-going and staff will be informed once everything is complete. He told staff the good news in that this year s cost of living adjustment is at 5.25% as opposed to 4% last year. Human Resources and Finance promised to look into the refurbishment of recreational hall and tennis court and the increment of mountain and incentive allowances. On the issue of LHDA archives, Information Systems Manager told Mohale staff that LHDA library is now digitalized and that the branch is planning to organize in-house training for staff on how to access information electronically. IS Manager further said she noted the need to have IT Technician at site full time or arrangement for IS technicians to visit Mohale site at certain intervals to assist staff with IT issues. For the erosion caused by roof of Africa rally race within Mohale catchment, Environment and PR Branch managers promised to liaise with the concerned stakeholders; Ministry of Tourism Environment and Culture and Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation. DM DOD stated that LHDA had an intention of maintaining all the feeder roads in the Mohale catchment, but due to financial constraints, maintenance will only be carried out where the road is badly deteriorated. Speaking on behalf of the Mohale Field Operations staff, Mrs Mathato Chabeli, Assistant Storekeeper at Mohale, expressed staff gratitude with LHDA management visit to Mohale and said that Mohale team pledges to work harder in assisting LHDA to achieve its mandate. Mrs Chabeli also said that staff hope management will intervene on those burning issues that hinder excellent performance.

5 P A G E 5 The LHDA Management and senior staff members who attended a two-day management meeting at Mohale toured the Mohale Tunnel Intake on 9 May The objective of the visit was to familiarize management with some of the LHWP structures. Mohale Dam wall, 145m high concrete faced rock fill embankment is one of the highest dam walls of its kind in Africa. The wall is erected downstream of the confluence of two rivers, Likalaneng and Senqunyane. Mr Molulakhotla Lerata, Operations and Maintenance Engineer elaborated to LHDA Management that Mohale Dam serves as a storage dam that feeds Katse Dam through a 4.5m diameter, 32km transfer tunnel. The tunnel design is such that water flows from either direction depending on the level of the dam; water flows by pressure from the dam with higher level to the one with lower level. Mr Lerata mentioned that the control of water transfer from Mohale to Katse is done at Mohale Tunnel Intake at Mohale site and at Mohale Tunnel Outlet at Katse site. The Mohale Tunnel Intake was described to the management as the structure that consists of the 95m deep intake shaft which is connected at the upstream to the Mohale Dam through two short tunnels. At the downstream of the shaft is the 32km tunnel leading to Katse Dam. The shaft is 9m in radius and divided into two components wet and dry shafts. Wet shaft is meant to allow flow of water from Mohale to Katse Dam, while dry shaft is used to access the tunnel using the man-rider. Hence, water transfer from Mohale to Katse goes through the two short tunnels, wet shaft and then the 32km tunnel before getting into Katse Dam. The transfer is stopped by using a gate to close the 32km tunnel while two stop-logs are used to close the two short tunnels connecting Mohale Dam to the intake shaft. The 42ton crane is used for the lowering of the gate and stop-logs. Management was also briefed on the protocols that are followed when opening the tunnel in that amongst others the water level in the intake shaft should be the same as the Mohale Dam water level (water balance condition) so that the two stop-logs at the upstream of the shaft can be removed. Once the stop-logs have been removed, the gate at the downstream of the shaft will then be removed thus allowing the flow of water from Mohale to Katse Dam. The Operations and Maintenance Engineer concluded that the operation of opening and closing the Mohale tunnel takes more than 18 hours to complete. The management also had an opportunity to go underground to see the tunnel riding a man-rider in trips of two/three depending on the mass of riders. Mr Leuta Nqosa, Mechanical Technician, who was the operator that day allayed the managers fears in that the man-rider operates more like a lift and that they should enjoy 16 minutes ride to and from the tunnel. Mr Masilo Phakoe, Public Relations Manager expressed their gratitude to the Mohale management team for giving them an opportunity of going down to see the tunnel saying that was the experience they would never forget. Mr Phakoe further said this also made them as management to appreciate the work and responsibilities of other LHDA branches.

6 Continued from page 4 P A G E 6 REGIONAL GLANCE AT LHWP: A HUB OF KNOWLEDGE Different governments, parastatals, organizations and investors greatly differ from one another in their views of knowledge-sharing and their approaches to innovation in investments. Many of them use exhibitions/expo opportunities differently. Others prefer having their staff attending such events to identify areas of collaboration, learning, selling tourism or building database for corporates future use. It is not unusual for Lesotho Highlands Water project to share with the globe, the state of the art engineering, massive investment coupled with breathtaking views that exist which erupted as a result of construction of dams in the kingdom of Lesotho. Therefore, LHDA takes opportunities such as Durban Indaba exhibition to attract the globe to the shores of eye-catching structures, nature reserves and lodges. In doing that, self-employed Basotho in various spheres of the country become primary beneficiaries through Basotho crafts, traditional food, tour guiding, hired houses by tourists to name the few. Not only a group of businesses benefit from the initiatives, but the government of Lesotho and African region at large. For the fact that the government went as far as tabling a bill and they are expecting investors from across the world to factor in, it s important to learn from the long-term successful project; Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Finally, the Consul General pledged a trip to Lesotho with the aim of forging a mutual relationship between the Lesotho Highlands Water Project to aquire memorable experience from the project. He believes it is invariably important to learn from those who managed inception of their work on the basis of reciprocal relationship in the interest of each party. It is not surprising that knowledge specialization in LHDA and apprenticeship system are common to Europe, and that reward mechanism ensure knowledge is preserved, shared and enhanced. Durban Indaba further revealed how the region perceives the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Every organization or state manages extraordinarily complex water ecosystems, but experience hardships that simply leads to either wasteful investment or fruitful one, but LHDA became phenomenal. Mr Frau Nihorya Nkhoma, the general Consul General for Republic of Malawi, stated that the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority is the most successful bi-national project in the region. Expressing his love, respect & perception and analysis to the mountain kingdom project, he emphasized the importance of convincing the Malawian government to send a delegation of senior staff from ministry of water for exposure and educational trip to Lesotho Highlands Water Project to acquire skills required to manage bi-national projects as Malawi has already passed the Public Private Partnership Bill. LHDA Exhibitors enjoy a light moment in front of the camera during the RBO Team LHDA takes a picture at their stall during the RBO

7 P A G E 7 LHDA EXHIBITS AT THE RIVER BASIN ORGANIZATIONS In an endeavor to promote tourism within the LHWP areas, the LHDA team showcased the activities of the project at the 7th River Basin Organizations Workshop held at Vanderbijl Park South Africa from May The main objective of the exhibition was to attract delegates from 15 SADC member states to Lesotho and eventually to the project sites. The workshop theme was Improved Regional Integration through River Health and Nexus Approaches. The workshop focus was on river quality issues and the Water-Energy-Food Nexus approaches for greater benefits and sustainability of interventions aimed at improving lives of SADC citizens. The LHWP stall which exhibited a giant picture of the Katse dam overflowing attracted delegates who attended the River Basin Organizations conference and some took turns to take pictures with Basotho hats displayed at the stand. Delegates were given presentations about the LHWP and their interest was mostly on the developments of Phase II of the project. Visitors took away information packaged in brochures and branded flash drives. According to Mr Thelejane Thelejane, Hydrologist, in the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority, Reservoir Management Branch, the River Basin Organizations workshop is a platform of sharing the activities of other river basins; successes, challenges and future developments and the impact thereof to other countries. By attending the workshop, Mr Thelejane said he did not only network and establish relationships with delegates, presenters and consultants but has also learnt of packages that are used to monitor water quality and to determine river health. He added the workshop further discussed other issues pertaining to monitoring and management of sediment in the reservoir and sediment transportation. The topic on sediment was very relevant to LHDA citing the challenge of sedimentation at Muela project site. When elaborating more on sediment transportation, Mr Thelejane stated that dams are constructed at the lower point of the catchment and every time, water flowing from upper reaches always carry sedimentation. He further mentioned that there are two methods of monitoring sedimentation; active and passive. LHDA is currently using the latter one. Passive monitoring gives record of accumulated sedimentation while active gives rate of sediment accumulation. It is advisable to use both methods. The 2017 River Basin Organizations conference attracted approximately 100 delegates from 15 SADC member states. LHDA Exhibitors man the stall at the RBO

8 P A G E 8 DM-DOD LAUDS MUELA STAFF The Divisional Manager for Development and Operations Division (DM-DOD) for the Lesotho Highlands development Authority Mr. Reentseng Molapo has lauded the Muela staff for their sterling job in meeting the targets for water transfer and general other functions of the branch. Addressing the Muela staff in a whistle-stop meeting alongside the management meeting held at Muela on 23 May 2017, Mr. Molapo expressed contentment at the performance of the branch saying while there is a room for improvement in other areas the branch was well on course to fulfilling the LHDA mandate. Muela Powerhouse Mr. Molapo further addressed staff on various other issues pertaining to staff including staff recognition in the form bonuses to staff at the end of the performance review period. In a nerves-calming meeting, the DM-DOD touched base with staff regarding promotion and sick leave policies. He also abreast staff with other operational issues, outlining the Mohale Tunnel works that have been going on since October The meeting had been requested by the Muela staff who felt they had not had a formal meeting with their erstwhile branch manager since his deployment to the Divisional Manager position in Maseru. A turbine in the Muela Hydropower station Muela Tailpond Dam

9 P A G E 9 LHDA RECOGNIZES BEST PERFORMERS The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority participated in the two-day 11th anniversary academic excellence session held at St James High School in Mokhotlong in order to honor the best performing students of the previous year as well as to encourage the current ones to work hard. The academic excellence awards is an annual event which is held in May and is the brain child of Mr Teboho Kobeli of Kobeli Business Services. The purpose of this event is to give awards and recognition to the outstanding former Junior Certificate and matriculants. This award-giving ceremony started on Friday the 5th May with all the sponsoring companies providing career guidance and counselling to high school leavers in order to make them aware of what subjects they can study in order for them to be able to access the national, regional and international labor market. The 6th of May turned out to be the day in which the best performing students were given awards as a token of appreciation for their commitment to success and to further place the name of St James High School on the map. While addressing the masses that had gathered, the Principal for St James High School, Sister Mohale expressed her gratitude at the support that her school has been receiving over the past few years and that which is yet to receive in the coming years, words alone cannot sufficiently express the joy that I have at what is happening at the moment. Best performance in 2016 at St James High An LHDA Officer presents a cheque to St James High School in Mokhotlong I would like to thank God for having provided us with Ntate Kobeli who has been working so hard in the days past to ensure that he motivates our learners through soliciting support from organizations such as First National Bank, Metropolitan Lesotho, LHDA and many others to make this event a success. It is my hope that the support we have been receiving will continue to grow by leaps and bounds from where it is now to a much higher level Kobeli Business Services Head Mr Teboho Kobeli